Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the future of Canada’s mining sector

As the Canadian government invests in the critical minerals sector, building partnerships is key. One important factor will be finding opportunities to innovate, improve sustainability and equip the sector’s workforce for the future.

Polytechnics Canada sat down with Dr. Robin Smith, Academic Chair of Applied Research Operations, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing and School of Natural Resources and Built Environment, Paul Labbe, Research Chair, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing and Dr. Terry Peckham, Director and Research Chair, Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) to discuss how Saskatchewan Polytechnic is rising to the occasion.

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The ROI on EDI

When we talk about creating more inclusive workplaces, this effort is most often framed as a moral imperative. In other words, we should strive for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) because it is the right thing to do. This is absolutely true and it can form the normative basis for action and results. However, it is not the only reason we need to actualize EDI in our workforce. There is also an economic and social prosperity imperative – a business and social case, if you will – for building a society and labour market that empowers all Canadians to contribute, participate, and thrive.

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Practical innovation: Beyond COVID

For the last two years, Canadians—and indeed the world well beyond our borders—have been focused on COVID-19. Yet, even before the pandemic upended our everyday lives, Canada’s economy and labour market were undergoing a significant transformation. New technology, demographic shifts and industrial transformations were already affecting the supply and demand for talent.

Despite months of economic turmoil, today’s call for skilled workers is increasingly urgent. Businesses and governments recognize that today’s workers must bring a combination of talents to the table—technical skills, an innovation mindset and tremendous resilience to change.

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Applied research in post-pandemic Canada

Although Canada’s immediate priority is finishing the fight against COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the challenges on the horizon. An aging population will require new approaches to and solutions for healthcare. Achieving net-zero emissions to fight climate change will impact every sector of the economy. Indigenous reconciliation requires an intentional effort and the resources to support it. Layered across these issues, technological disruption is rampant in an increasingly digital world.

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Conestoga’s School of Trades & Apprenticeship is building tomorrow’s talent

With Ontario facing skilled trades shortages, there’s a movement afoot to attract young talent. At Conestoga College, skilled trades and apprenticeship training have long been a focus. Students at their School of Trades and Apprenticeship benefit from partnerships with local, national and international companies which guide programs and offer experiential placements across the Construction, Motive Power, Industrial and Service sectors.

Polytechnics Canada checked in with Suzanne Moyer, Dean of Trades & Apprenticeship, and Tony Thoma, Executive Dean, Engineering, Technology, Trades & Apprenticeship, to discuss current initiatives to boost the skilled trades workforce.

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Mid-career skills training will be key to addressing Canada’s labour challenges

One of the most surprising impacts of COVID-19 has been the reshaping of Canada’s workforce. While workplaces were adopting new technology and rethinking critical skill needs before the pandemic, it was remote work, school closures and health concerns that tipped the scales.

The Canadian economy has now replaced more jobs than were lost at the height of the pandemic, but high rates of job vacancy speak to a critical labour shortages in the months ahead.

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Polytechnics are strengthening communities through applied research and innovation

Our economy’s ability to recover from the pandemic, and our potential to rebuild with confidence, hinges on the well-being of local industry and community partners working together. In particular, they must innovate, problem-solve and take bold risks to thrive in a volatile economic landscape.

Applied research is a powerful tool that keeps post-secondary institutions attuned to the ever-changing needs of industry and community. Polytechnic education combines academic and hands-on learning with the impact of that critical research on real-world problems.

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